Without a concrete median on the section of Chennai-Tiruvallur High Road near Saravana Stores in Padi (towards Ambattur), measures to provide road users with better illumination are difficult to undertake. This is a state highway found within Corporation limits and the State Highways Department and Greater Chennai Corporation have responsibilities towards this road, which include ensuring provisions for better illumination are in place. Officials of the State Highways said that the concrete platform — in this case, a concrete median — has to be constructed for lamp posts to stay put during storms and heavy rains.
As the spot near the New Saravana Stores is a narrow bend, a row of small concrete slabs has been placed to act as a median. “We have to find an alternative to installing streetlights at the spot to ensure the spot does not hinder traffic movement and cause accidents,” said a State Highways official.
Interestingly, new LED lamps were installed on the rest of the stretch of CTH Road, between the Korattur junction and the traffic signal in front of the Lucas TVS company in Padi.
The new LED lamps were installed taking into the account the increase in the volume of vehicles since the opening of the New Saravana Stores a year ago.
However, the poorly-illuminated spot near the traffic junction has put motorists at risk for accidents, especially at night.
“With a bus stop and a few roadside eateries located near the poorly-illuminated spot, there is always considerable movement of people there. And, we find it difficult to see them from a distance,” said A. Sriram, a motorist from Korattur.
Further, the footpath on the stretch from Lucas TVS junction (towards Ambattur) was dug up for cable work a few months ago. Though the work was completed a few weeks ago, the stretch was not properly levelled, which has hit traffic movement further.
Residents and motorists want the State Highways Department, along with the Greater Chennai Corporation, to widen the stretch between the two spots to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
As an immediate measure, motorists want installation of lights at the dark spot, placing them by the side of the stretch rather than on the median (which is the case now on the rest of the stretch).
